Rethink Imaging

In Part 1 of this thought-provoking two-part episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John welcomes Brad Lofton, CEO of Colorado Associates in Medical Physics (CAMP), for a candid conversation about the crossroads facing medical physics today.

Lofton, a seasoned leader in diagnostic and nuclear medical physics, argues that the profession has been held back by a narrow focus on regulatory compliance, often reduced to annual inspections and machine testing, rather than fully embracing its potential as a driver of quality in patient care.

Together, they explore how historical inertia and over-standardization have commodified physics services, eroding the profession’s perceived value. Lofton explains why the future of the field depends on moving from Level 1 work, basic compliance, to Level 2 and Level 3 physics that deliver measurable improvements in outcomes, efficiency, and safety. 

The discussion highlights the need for continuous monitoring, trending analysis, and closer collaboration with radiologists, rather than relying solely on pass/fail threshold testing.

The conversation also touches on emerging opportunities for medical physicists to integrate into AI-driven imaging, image-guided surgery, and other advanced technologies, areas where their expertise can directly impact patient outcomes. Lofton emphasizes that rural and community hospitals deserve the same caliber of physics support as academic medical centers, and he shares strategies for bridging that gap.
For professionals committed to elevating the role of physics in healthcare, Part 1 offers both a diagnosis of the current challenges and the foundation for a roadmap that will be expanded in Part 2, where they’ll dive deeper into actionable solutions for transforming the field.

What You'll Learn:

• Why medical physics must transition from machine-focused compliance to patient-centered quality management
• How historical inertia and commodification have limited the profession’s perceived value
• The distinctions between Level 1 (compliance) and higher-level physics work that drives real improvement
• Why annual testing alone is insufficient for modern imaging quality assurance
• How medical physicists can serve as quality managers rather than just inspectors
• The role of trending analysis and real-time monitoring in preventing issues before they affect patients
• How to integrate physics expertise into emerging technologies like AI and image-guided surgery
• Ways to improve risk communication with patients, providers, and radiologists
• Why equal access to high-quality physics support is essential for rural and community hospitals
• Strategies for building stronger, more collaborative partnerships between physicists and radiologists
  
  

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro: The Crisis in Medical Physics[02:35] From Med School Dreams to Medical Physics[06:19] Evolution of Imaging Physics: A Decade of Change[11:29] The Personal Crisis: Machine Focus vs Patient Care[17:52] Market Forces vs Clinical Innovation in Medical Imaging[24:00] Understanding Level 1, 2 and 3 Physics Work[31:00] Redefining Value: From Compliance to Quality Management[37:15] Communication and Risk: Building Better Clinical Partnerships[41:05] Closing Thoughts & Preview of Part 2
Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John welcomes Dr. Woojin Kim, an expert at the intersection of radiology and AI innovation, to discuss the future of generative AI in medical imaging. As Chief Strategy Officer at HOPPR and Chief Medical Officer at the ACR Data Science Institute, Dr. Kim draws from deep experience in both clinical practice and healthcare entrepreneurship.
Together, they explore the growing capabilities of AI in radiology, from automated draft reporting for chest X-rays and CT scans to the emerging potential of Agentic AI as a true assistant within clinical workflows. Dr. Kim emphasizes that while AI holds the promise of boosting efficiency, with some studies reporting 15.5% gains, it must be grounded in personalization and supported by human oversight to avoid risks like hallucinated results.

The conversation dives into practical mechanisms for safe integration, including Model Context Protocols (MCPs) that embed clinical nuance into AI outputs, and the need for hands-on experience over purely theoretical exposure. Dr. Kim also addresses the regulatory and liability gaps that could hinder responsible adoption, advocating for frameworks that can keep pace with innovation.
For professionals navigating the AI landscape in healthcare, this discussion offers a forward-looking yet grounded perspective on building meaningful human-AI partnerships, where technology enhances rather than replaces clinical judgment.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. It helps us reach more imaging professionals and healthcare leaders around the world.

What You'll Learn:

• How automated draft reporting for chest X-rays and CT scans is becoming a reality, with early studies showing 15.5% efficiency gains
• Why personalization in AI-generated radiology reports is crucial for widespread adoption and clinical effectiveness
• The critical importance of preventing AI hallucinations in medical reporting through human-in-the-loop workflows
• How Model Context Protocols (MCPs) are enabling more sophisticated AI integration in radiology workflows
• Why Agentic AI could transform radiology by functioning as an intelligent assistant rather than a replacement
• How to balance AI implementation with clinical expertise while maintaining focus on patient care and safety
• The importance of hands-on experience with AI tools rather than just theoretical knowledge
• Why regulatory and liability frameworks need to catch up with AI advancement in medical imaging

Chapters:

00:00 Intro: Meet Dr. Woojin Kim, Pioneer in Medical AI00:07:25 The Reality of AI-Generated Radiology Reports00:14:27 Why Personalization Matters in AI Reports00:21:12 Managing AI Hallucination Risks in Medical Imaging00:27:47 Current Barriers to GenAI Implementation00:30:31 Understanding Agentic AI in Radiology00:36:27 Model Context Protocols: The Future of Integration00:43:48 Key Takeaways: Learning to Work With AI in Healthcare

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John welcomes Dr. Madan Rehani, a globally recognized expert in radiation protection, to examine the complexities of cumulative radiation dose tracking in diagnostic imaging.

With a career spanning Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and more than a decade at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr. Rehani brings unparalleled insight into how the medical community can better manage radiation risk. He discusses how uncertainty in radiation effects should inspire prudent safeguards—not paralysis—especially when balancing clinical benefits with long-term exposure concerns.

Together, they explore the key differences in radiation policy between the U.S. and Europe, the underutilized potential of existing dose-reduction technologies, and how CT scans—often assumed to be “low dose”—still warrant caution. Dr. Rehani introduces tiered safety systems modeled after traffic light warnings and emphasizes how public pressure could help shift outdated safety practices.

This conversation is a must-listen for imaging professionals, healthcare decision-makers, and anyone interested in the evolving science of radiation safety.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more imaging professionals and healthcare leaders worldwide.

What You'll Learn:

• Why cumulative dose tracking should guide—not scare—clinical decision-making
• How modern dose-reduction technology is available but underutilized
• What global differences in radiation protection reveal about safety culture
• How CT scans still carry significant radiation risks and where manufacturers can improve
• The role of tiered dose thresholds and how they mirror traffic light systems in medication safety
• Why patient communication is essential in shifting outdated safety perceptions
• How public advocacy may be the key to wider adoption of dose-reduction measures
• The urgent need for clearer protocols in cumulative dose tracking and accountability
  
  

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro: Managing Uncertainty in Medical Radiation[00:02:34] From Hospital Physicist to Global Safety Leader: Dr. Rehani's Journey[00:07:45] The US vs Europe: Different Approaches to Radiation Protection[00:11:20] Traffic Light Analogy: Rethinking Radiation Safety Systems[00:17:09] Using Dose History as a Clinical Compass, Not a Source of Fear[00:28:50] Untapped Technologies: Why CT Isn't Yet a Low-Dose Modality[00:36:11] Hard Truths About Cumulative Radiation Exposure[00:37:43] Closing Thoughts: The Future of Medical Imaging Safety

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John speaks with Dr. William Breeden, a board-certified radiation physicist whose decades of experience span nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical physics, and clinical consulting.

Together, they delve into the often-unseen world of medical physics. From rapid-response crisis management during trauma events to rigorous quality control protocols across CT, MRI, X-ray, PET, and nuclear medicine. Dr. Breeden discusses how physicists are not only technical experts but also trusted collaborators across departments, helping shape policy, maintain compliance, and support clinical excellence.

The conversation also touches on regulatory challenges, the emotional toll of constant vigilance in healthcare environments, and how the role of a medical physicist is evolving in today’s complex hospital ecosystems.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave us a review! It really helps in reaching more like-minded enthusiasts.

What You'll Learn:

• How medical physicists support trauma response and urgent imaging needs in high-pressure hospital settings
• Why quality assurance in imaging equipment is central to patient safety and operational efficiency
• How to balance evolving regulatory standards with real-time clinical demands
• The impact of burnout and mental load on medical imaging professionals
• Why technologists, physicians, and administrators rely on physicists for insight and decision-making
• How medical physicists contribute to radiation safety, imaging protocol optimization, and problem-solving
• The shift from hands-on equipment work to systems thinking in modern medical physics
  
  

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro: Welcome to Frame by Frame Rethink Imaging[02:27] From Chemistry to Medical Physics: Dr. Breeden's Journey[07:10] The Unpredictable Life of a Medical Physicist[08:51] Inside Equipment Testing and Quality Control[14:28] Managing Crisis Response in Medical Imaging[19:43] Patient Safety: The Top Priority[22:00] The Challenges of Traveling Physics Work[27:02] Building Relationships Across Healthcare Teams[32:52] Three Big Questions in Medical Imaging[34:51] Final Thoughts: The Future of Medical Physics

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John revisits Dr. Ehsan Samei, Duke University's Chief Imaging Physicist, to explore the nuanced intersection of quantitative analytics and human judgment in the field of medical imaging.

Dr. Samei shares his unique perspective on how imaging combines the exactness of physics and data science with the subtle art of interpretation, shedding light on why even the most advanced technologies require human oversight. 

From the philosophy behind diagnostic uncertainty to the evolving role of AI in radiology, the conversation spans critical themes such as patient-centered care, diagnostic accuracy, and the future of medical expertise.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave us a review! It really helps in reaching more like-minded enthusiasts!

What You'll Learn:

• How medical imaging bridges the precision of physics with the nuanced art of clinical practice
• Why the "practice of medicine" remains a sophisticated guessing game—even with advanced technology
• The critical distinction between quantitative measurements and qualitative interpretation in medical imaging
• How to evaluate imaging success beyond radiation dose metrics
• Why patient-centered care requires both data analytics and human judgment
• The future role of AI in imaging, and why human expertise remains irreplaceable
• How image quality directly impacts diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning
• The importance of balancing scientific rigor with clinical relevance in medical physics
• Why reducing uncertainty, not achieving certainty, is the goal of medical expertise
• How to approach rare diseases and unique cases without relying solely on large datasets
  
  

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro: The Art and Science of Medical Imaging[02:13] From Physics to Medicine: A Journey into Medical Imaging[04:06] Bridging Certainty and Uncertainty in Healthcare[09:17] The Challenge of Patient-Specific Care and Data[17:10] Evolution of Medical Imaging: Beyond Looking Inside[24:26] Quantitative vs Qualitative: Finding the Balance[27:59] AI and Human Judgment in Medical Interpretation[31:27] Measuring Success in Medical Imaging[38:02] Future of Healthcare: Merging Humanity with Technology[41:42] Final Thoughts: The Path Forward in Medical Imaging

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St. John speaks with Ari Goldberg, Director of Thoracic and Abdominal Imaging at Loyola University Medical Center, to explore how radiology practices can adapt to growing workloads, workforce shortages, and the slow rollout of AI solutions.
Dr. Goldberg shares actionable strategies to reimagine radiology practice management, including rethinking traditional reporting models, expanding the use of radiologist extenders, and evolving leadership structures to support a sustainable future. Together, they discuss how to maintain clinical excellence while improving operational efficiency, and what the future might hold for remote work, education, and collaborative care in imaging departments.
This episode is essential listening for radiologists, department leaders, and healthcare professionals navigating the intersection of technology, workforce dynamics, and patient care in a rapidly changing field.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional reporting practices may need to evolve
• How radiologist extenders can help fill workforce gaps
• What leadership changes are needed for sustainable growth
• The impact of remote work policies on team culture and efficiency
• How to maintain high clinical standards under increasing pressure
• Why trust and autonomy matter for radiologist productivity
• The importance of preserving teaching and collaboration spaces
• A vision for radiology practices in 2035—integrating AI and human expertise
  
  

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro: The Future of Radiology with Dr. Ari Goldberg[02:17] Rethinking Radiology Reports: Finding Balance in Documentation[08:52] AI in Radiology: Managing Expectations and Reality[15:35] The Role of Radiology Extenders in Modern Practice[21:07] Addressing Burnout and Systemic Changes in Radiology[27:30] Leadership Evolution: Embracing Remote Work in Radiology[31:54] Vision for 2035: Integrating AI, Extenders, and Traditional Practice[33:21] Closing Thoughts: Building a Sustainable Future for Radiology
Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St. John is joined by Dr. Summer Kaplan, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and pediatric radiologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to examine a major shift in radiation safety protocols—why gonadal shielding is being reconsidered in modern radiology.
Dr. Kaplan discusses the findings of groundbreaking research showing how traditional shielding can actually increase patient radiation exposure due to interactions with automatic exposure controls in advanced imaging systems. Together, they explore how modern equipment, data-driven protocols, and AI have revolutionized imaging safety, and what this means for radiology professionals and patients alike.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in diagnostic imaging, medical physics, or patient safety, offering a forward-thinking perspective on how to communicate, implement, and trust in evolving best practices in radiation protection.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why gonadal shielding may increase radiation exposure with today’s imaging systems
• How automatic exposure controls respond to shielding—and the unintended consequences
• The science behind moving away from routine gonadal protection in X-rays
• How to educate patients and families about updated radiation safety protocols
• The role of organ sensitivity in radiation risk assessment
• Advances in imaging technology and AI that reduce exposure without the need for shielding
• Why pediatric imaging requires unique safety considerations
• How professional guidelines and institutional policies are changing nationwide
  
  

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro & Welcome[01:38] Origins of the Gonadal Shielding Research[04:13] How Modern X-ray Sensors Changed Radiation Protection[06:20] Understanding Radiation Sensitivity in Different Organs[14:25] Why Staff Need Protection But Patients Don't[17:05] Pediatric Radiation Safety: Lower Doses for Smaller Bodies[22:37] Implementing Change in Radiology Departments[24:34] Future Technologies in Radiation Protection[28:03] Modern Understanding of Radiation Risk[31:16] Key Takeaways: Evolving Beyond Traditional Practices

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St. John is joined by Dr. Kalpana Kanal, Diagnostic Medical Physics Trustee at the American Board of Radiology and professor at the University of Washington, to discuss how CT scanning is transforming the field of forensic pathology.

Dr. Kanal highlights her pioneering work developing a forensic CT program that can eliminate the need for traditional autopsies in nearly 50% of cases. From our first episode with her, she explains how CT imaging offers a non-invasive, culturally sensitive alternative to conventional post-mortem procedures—helping address the growing shortage of forensic pathologists while improving diagnostic accuracy.

Beyond her innovations in forensics, Dr. Kanal also highlights the unique imaging protocols and physiological considerations required in post-mortem scans, the global trends in forensic CT adoption, and the collaborative work between radiologists and forensic pathologists.

This episode is a must-listen for medical imaging professionals, pathologists, and educators interested in how imaging continues to push the boundaries of medicine, investigation, and care for the deceased.


Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this illuminating episode of Frame by Frame, host Chris St John continues his in-depth conversation with Dr. Ehsan Samei to explore how we define and measure quality in medical imaging. Dr. Samei emphasizes that radiation dose, while important, tells only part of the story. Instead, quality should be viewed through a multi-dimensional lens that includes task-based performance, image clarity, contrast, and diagnostic relevance.

Drawing on examples like breast and lung cancer screening, Dr. Samei shows how imaging can improve outcomes when guided by validated metrics and clinical collaboration. He also highlights the challenges of creating standardized measurements that can be applied across institutions, stressing the importance of stakeholder involvement—from physicists to clinicians and regulatory bodies.

Whether you're navigating imaging guidelines, optimizing protocols, or advocating for patient-centered care, this episode delivers the tools to help you rethink what makes imaging truly valuable.

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro: Understanding Medical Imaging Benefits[01:49] Measurands vs Measurements: The Science of Quantification[07:15] Beyond Radiation Dose: Why Single Metrics Can Mislead[12:30] Validating Quality Measurements in Radiology[19:24] The Importance of Personalized Imaging Approaches[22:47] Task-Based Performance in Medical Imaging[29:05] Designing Studies to Prove Imaging's Value[32:53] The Real Impact: Mammography Success Story[36:24] Closing Thoughts: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Frame by Frame, host Chris St John is joined by Dr. Ehsan Samei, a leading medical physicist and advocate for patient-centered imaging.

Dr. Samei challenges long-held assumptions about radiation risk, urging a shift away from fear-based thinking. He critiques the limitations of population-based radiation thresholds and emphasizes why shared decision-making should drive medical imaging practices.

Through accessible examples, Dr. Samei explains why delayed or denied imaging can often pose a greater risk than the radiation itself. He also breaks down the widely debated Linear No-Threshold model and how it’s frequently misunderstood in clinical contexts.

As Chief Imaging Physicist at Duke University and a Distinguished Professor, Dr. Samei offers insights that are both scientifically grounded and deeply human. Whether you’re a clinician or simply someone curious about your healthcare, this episode provides a vital rethink of how we talk about imaging, risk, and patient trust.

Chapters: 

[00:00] Intro & Welcome with Dr. Ehsan Samei[02:24] Medical Imaging: A Gift to Modern Healthcare[06:46] Patient Autonomy and Shared Decision-Making[11:04] Understanding the Linear No-Threshold Model[17:30] Cancer Risk: Separating Facts from Fear[25:20] Radiation Doses: High vs Low Exposure Data[29:52] Thresholds vs Clinical Guidance in Practice[39:13] Communicating Benefits to Patients[44:59] Key Takeaways & Preview of Part 2

Rethink Imaging Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so